Unlocking Opportunities: How 11 Wall Ventures is Revolutionizing Investment Beyond Silicon Valley

In a world where innovation often seems confined to major tech hubs, venture capital firm 11 Wall Ventures is changing the narrative. Founded by a team of seasoned investors, they focus on supporting vertical AI companies outside of traditional startup ecosystems. In this blog post, we’ll explore the insights shared by Alana Mann, a general partner at 11 Wall Ventures, in a recent podcast interview, highlighting their unique investment approach and what they look for in founders.

Alana Mann explains that 11 Wall Ventures is committed to investing in early-stage vertical AI companies located beyond the typical centers like San Francisco, New York, and Boston. Their strategy stems from a desire to make venture capital accessible to a broader range of founders who may feel constrained by the need to relocate to these tech hubs. “We wanted to kind of just double down our strategy in terms of what's worked,” Alana shares, emphasizing their commitment to community building through events and partnerships that connect with founders where they are.

The firm actively engages with local ecosystems through various community-building efforts such as founder events and luncheons. They also collaborate with corporate partners to create opportunities for founders to showcase their innovations. Alana notes the importance of these initiatives, stating, “It's about finding founders where they're at,” underlining their mission to support talent regardless of geographic location.

Alana reflects on her journey from an early investment deal that yielded an impressive 11X return to her current role at 11 Wall Ventures. She details the rigorous diligence process involved in her first investment, which required a deep understanding of customer advocacy and market viability. The success of that deal, where her firm’s initial $2 million investment returned $26 million, showcases the potential of well-researched investments.

Alana’s investment philosophy has evolved significantly over her career. She emphasizes the value of founders with industry experience who can address specific pain points within their sectors. “Our investment thesis is really about vertical AI,” she explains, highlighting their focus on founders who have lived experience in their industries. This insight allows for a stronger alignment with market needs and customer expectations.

When it comes to evaluating potential founders, Alana looks for those who excel in sales. She asserts, “If one of you can't sell, we have a problem,” emphasizing that a strong sales capability is crucial for sustainable growth. This perspective reflects a broader trend in the startup landscape where the balance between technical expertise and sales acumen is becoming increasingly important.

Eleven Wall Ventures is not just redefining where venture capital can thrive; they are also reshaping the qualities they seek in founders. By focusing on vertical AI companies outside of traditional ecosystems and emphasizing the importance of industry experience and sales skills, they are paving the way for a more inclusive and accessible investment landscape. The key takeaways from Alana Mann’s insights are clear: community engagement, founder experience, and sales capability are essential ingredients for success in today’s venture capital world.

Founders who want to connect with Alana through Chris can reach out through email.